WO2017003223A1 - Image acquisition device and method - Google Patents

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide an image acquisition device and method capable of simultaneously acquiring a two-dimensional image and a three-dimensional image through a one-time photographing step. To this end, the present invention comprises: a control module for controlling a first photographing for acquiring a two-dimensional image and a second photographing for acquiring a three-dimensional image; an X-ray generation unit for irradiating an object, to be inspected, with X-rays in each of first and second doses at at least one position in accordance with the first photographing and at a plurality of second positions in accordance with the second photographing; an X-ray detector for receiving the X-rays by which the object to be inspected was irradiated, and acquiring data corresponding to the first and second photographings; and an image conversion unit for converting data of the first photographing into a two-dimensional image and converting data of the second photographing into a three-dimensional image, wherein the first dose is larger than the second dose, and the first position and the second positions are within a preset trajectory.

Description

Image Acquisition Apparatus and Method

The present invention relates to an image acquisition device and method capable of simultaneously acquiring a two-dimensional image and a three-dimensional image in a single photographing process.

In general, a mammography apparatus is an X-ray imaging apparatus used for early diagnosis of breast cancer, and a two-dimensional X-ray image (hereinafter, referred to as a two-dimensional image) by irradiating a certain amount of X-rays to a breast of a subject and receiving the sensor by the sensor. Acquire a three-dimensional X-ray image (hereinafter referred to as a three-dimensional image).

The breast imaging method for the early diagnosis of breast cancer includes full-field digital mammography (FFDM) mode, digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) mode, and breast computed tomography (BCT) mode. The FFDM mode is a mode for early diagnosis of breast cancer by acquiring two-dimensional images, the DBT mode is a mode in which the X-ray light source is moved at an angle to increase the detection rate of mass that is difficult to identify in the FFDM mode, and the BCT mode is an X-ray light source. In this mode, the sensor and the sensor are rotated by a certain angle to obtain a three-dimensional image so that the position information of the lesion can be known in detail.

On the other hand, there are cases where both two-dimensional and three-dimensional images are required for early diagnosis of breast cancer according to the individual situation of the subject. Since the conventional mammography apparatuses can obtain only one image of the two-dimensional image or the three-dimensional image by one imaging process. In the case where both two-dimensional and three-dimensional images are required, there is a problem that the subject has to go through two or more imaging processes.

Therefore, since the conventional technology as described above obtains only one image of the two-dimensional image or the three-dimensional image in one photographing process, there is a problem that the subject has to go through two or more photographing processes when both the two-dimensional image and the three-dimensional image are needed. It is a problem of the present invention to solve the problem.

Accordingly, the present invention obtains two-dimensional and three-dimensional image data by receiving X-rays irradiated at each photographing position according to the order of photographing for acquiring a two-dimensional image and photographing for acquiring a three-dimensional image, and obtaining the two-dimensional and three-dimensional image data. An object of the present invention is to provide an image acquisition apparatus and method capable of simultaneously acquiring a two-dimensional image and a three-dimensional image by converting the image into a single image.

The objects of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned objects, and other objects and advantages of the present invention, which are not mentioned above, can be understood by the following description, and will be more clearly understood by the embodiments of the present invention. Also, it will be readily appreciated that the objects and advantages of the present invention may be realized by the means and combinations thereof indicated in the claims.

The apparatus of the present invention for achieving the above object, the control module for controlling the first imaging for obtaining the two-dimensional image and the second imaging for acquiring the three-dimensional image, at least one first position and the first according to the first imaging 2 an X-ray generator for irradiating X-rays to a subject at first and second doses, respectively, at a plurality of second positions according to imaging, and receiving X-rays irradiated to the subject to receive data corresponding to the first and second imaging. An X-ray detector to be acquired and an image converting unit converting the data of the first photographing into a two-dimensional image and converting the data of the second photographing into a three-dimensional image, wherein the first dose is greater than the second dose, the first position and the first The two positions are in a preset trajectory.

On the other hand, the method of the present invention for achieving the above object, (a) at least one of the first position according to the first imaging and the plurality of second position according to the second imaging in the first and second doses respectively Irradiating X-rays to the specimen, (b) receiving X-rays irradiated onto the subject to obtain data corresponding to the first and second imaging, and (c) converting the data of the first imaging to a two-dimensional image; And converting the data of the second photographing into a three-dimensional image, wherein the first dose is greater than the second dose, and the first position and the second positions are within a predetermined trajectory.

As described above, the present invention obtains two-dimensional and three-dimensional image data by receiving X-rays irradiated at each photographing position in order of photographing for obtaining a two-dimensional image and photographing for obtaining a three-dimensional image, and obtaining the two-dimensional image data. By converting into an image and a three-dimensional image, it is possible to simultaneously acquire a two-dimensional image and a three-dimensional image in a single photographing process.

In addition, the present invention by reducing the two-dimensional image and the three-dimensional image at the same time in a single imaging process, it is possible to reduce the inconvenience of the subject due to the two imaging.

1 schematically shows an image acquisition device according to the present invention;

2 is a block diagram of an image capturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

3 is a view showing the imaging of X-ray irradiation at the position where the imaging position is 0 degrees;

4 is a diagram illustrating photographing in which X-rays are sequentially irradiated at each photographing position;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating photographing sequentially radiating X-rays at some photographing positions; FIG.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating photographing sequentially radiating X-rays at some photographing positions; FIG.

7 is a flowchart illustrating an image acquisition method according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the details of the step S510 shown in FIG. 7; FIG. And

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the operation S510 shown in FIG. 7 in detail.

The above objects, features, and advantages will become more apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, and accordingly, those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains may share the technical idea of the present invention. It will be easy to implement. In addition, in describing the present invention, when it is determined that the detailed description of the known technology related to the present invention may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In the specification, when a part is "connected" to another part, this includes not only a "directly connected" but also a "electrically connected" between other elements in between. In addition, when a part is said to "include" or "include" a certain component, it means that it may further include or have other components, without excluding other components, unless specifically stated otherwise. . In addition, the description of some components in the singular form throughout the specification, it is understood that the present invention is not limited thereto, and that the components may be formed in plural.

1 is a view schematically showing an image acquisition device according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the image capturing apparatus 100 includes a main body 110, a gantry 120, an X-ray generator 130, a pressing panel 140a, a support panel 140b, and an X-ray detector 150. ).

The main body 110 may include an input device for manipulating the image capturing apparatus 100, a display device for checking a captured image, a control module for driving the gantry 120 and controlling the X-ray detector 150, and An image converter converts the obtained data into a two-dimensional image and a three-dimensional image. Gantry 120 is fixed to one side of the body (110).

The X-ray generating unit 130 is provided with an X-ray light source to irradiate X-rays to a subject, and is provided on an upper surface of the gantry 120.

The pressing panel 140a is positioned between the X-ray generating unit 130 and the X-ray detector 150 and presses the breast (subject) of the patient to be in close contact with the upper surface of the support panel 140b.

The support panel 140b is positioned between the pressure panel 140a and the X-ray detector 150 and supports the breast of the patient to be raised.

The X-ray detector 150 detects X-rays irradiated from the X-ray generator 130 and transmitted through the object to obtain data. The X-ray detector 150 is mounted on an upper portion of the cradle which is integrally connected to the gantry 120, and when the gantry 120 rotates, the X-ray detector 150 rotates together at a position corresponding to the X-ray generator 130 or the X-ray detector 150. The upper portion of the gantry 120 may rotate only so that the X-ray generator 130 rotates in a fixed state.

The X-ray detector 150 may include an X-ray sensor. The X-ray sensor is a surface sensor, in which a unit pixel sensor is two-dimensionally arranged, that is, a unit pixel sensor forms a matrix in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns. The X-ray detector 150 is irradiated from the X-ray light source of the X-ray generator 130 to receive X-rays passing through the breast of the patient to obtain X-ray data about the ROI in the subject.

2 is a block diagram of an image capturing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 2, the image capturing apparatus 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a control module 310, an image converter 320, an X-ray generator 230, and an X-ray detector 240. It is provided.

First, the X-ray generator 230 includes an X-ray light source to irradiate X-rays to a subject, and the X-ray detector 240 includes an X-ray sensor to acquire data by receiving X-rays irradiated by the X-ray generator 230. do. At this time, the X-ray generating unit 230 irradiates X-rays at each photographing position while rotating around the subject about the subject, and each photographing position is -45 degrees to +45 degrees with respect to the subject, preferably- It is within the range of 30 degrees to +30 degrees and the distance from the adjacent photographing position may be 1 degree to 5 degrees, preferably 2 degrees.

Next, the control module 310 controls the driving of the X-ray generator 230 and the X-ray detector 240, and controls the order of photographing for obtaining the 2D image and photographing for obtaining the 3D image.

The order of the photographing proceeding under the control of the control module 310 is that the photographing is performed to acquire the two-dimensional image, and then the photographing is performed to obtain the three-dimensional image (first order) or the part of the three-dimensional image is acquired. After the shooting is performed, a part of the three-dimensional image is acquired, the X-ray generator 230 transitions to the two-dimensional image acquisition position, and the shooting is performed to acquire the two-dimensional image. , The order in which photographing is performed to acquire the remaining images of the 3D image (second order), and the order in which photographing is performed to acquire the 2D image (third order) after the photographing is performed to acquire the 3D image. have. In the first to third procedures, the imaging for acquiring the two-dimensional image is, for example, a photographing position where the X-ray generator 230 is located at 0 degrees, that is, vertically upward with respect to the subject (hereinafter, referred to as a "center imaging position"). The X-ray generation unit 230 proceeds by irradiating X-rays, and the imaging for acquiring a 3D image is performed by the X-ray generator 230 sequentially irradiating X-rays at other imaging positions. For example, the central photographing position may be a cranial-caudal photographing position.

A first order will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 4 as follows.

The first order is a sequence in which photographing for acquiring a three-dimensional image is performed after photographing for acquiring a two-dimensional image is performed. First, as shown in FIG. 3, the X-ray generation unit 230 performs imaging to acquire a two-dimensional image by radiating X-rays at a central photographing position. Next, as shown in FIG. 4, the X-ray generation unit 230 sequentially photographs X-rays at each of the photographing positions 1 to 9 to acquire a 3D image. Although the photographing positions illustrated in FIG. 4 are illustrated as nine, this is for illustrative purposes only, and the photographing positions are not limited to nine.

In the third procedure, as shown in FIG. 4, first, the X-ray generator 230 sequentially irradiates X-rays at each of the photographing positions 1 to 9, thereby photographing for acquiring a three-dimensional image. Next, as shown in FIG. 3, the X-ray generator 230 radiates X-rays at the central photographing position to acquire a 2D image.

A second order will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 6 as follows.

In the second order, photographing is performed to acquire a part of the three-dimensional image, and after obtaining a part of the three-dimensional image, the transition to the two-dimensional image acquisition position is performed, and photographing is performed to acquire the two-dimensional image. After completion, the shooting is performed to acquire the remaining image of the 3D image. First, as shown in FIG. 5, the X-ray generator 230 sequentially acquires a portion of the 3D image by radiating X-rays sequentially at each of the photographing positions from the photographing position 1 located at one end to the central photographing position 5. Shooting to proceed. Next, the X-ray generation unit 230 radiates X-rays at the central photographing position 5 to perform imaging for acquiring a two-dimensional image (see FIG. 3). Next, as shown in FIG. 6, the X-ray generation unit 230 sequentially performs the imaging operations at each photographing position from the photographing position 6 positioned after the center photographing position 5 to the photographing position 9 positioned at the other end thereof. The imaging is performed to acquire the remaining image of the 3D image by irradiating X-rays. Referring to each of the photographing positions 1 to 5 shown in FIG. 5 and each of the photographing positions 6 to 9 shown in FIG. 6, as shown in FIG. 4, photographing necessary for acquiring three-dimensional images at all photographing positions is performed. You can see that it has progressed. 5 and 6 have been illustrated as nine shooting positions, this is for illustrative purposes only, and the shooting positions are not limited to nine.

On the other hand, the control module 310 is a continuous-shoot method for photographing a subject when the X-ray generator 230 rotates about the subject and reaches each photographing position, or each photographing position to be photographed. The X-ray generator 230 may control the X-ray to be irradiated in a stop-and-shot manner in which the images are completely stopped and photographed after each stop.

On the other hand, the X-ray generator 230 may include a plurality of X-ray light sources provided for each photographing position. In this case, the control module 310 does not rotate the X-ray generator 230 around the subject, The X-ray light sources at the respective photographing positions are controlled to emit X-rays in the first or second order.

That is, when a plurality of X-ray light sources are arranged along the photographing position with respect to a subject, such as the X-ray imaging apparatus described in International Application No. PCT / KR2014 / 010618 by the applicant, the control module 310 may include a subject. The same result can be obtained by controlling the X-ray light sources at the respective photographing positions to irradiate the X-rays according to the first or second order without rotating the X-ray generator 230 around the. In this case, at least one of the X-ray light source may be a field emission method using a nano-structure material field emission emitter.

Next, the image converter 320 converts the data acquired under the control of the control module 310 into a two-dimensional image and a three-dimensional image. At this time, as described above, since the X-ray sensor of the X-ray detector 240 has a unit pixel in a matrix formed in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, each data obtained by the X-ray detector 240 receives X-rays is arranged in two dimensions. have. Therefore, for example, data obtained by radiating X-rays at a central photographing position may be reconstructed into a two-dimensional image by reconstructing them to correspond to each row and column. In addition, the 3D image may be obtained by reconstructing data obtained by radiating X-rays at each photographing position, and the 3D image may be a tomography image or a 3D rendering image of volume data.

As another embodiment of the present invention, the two-dimensional image and the three-dimensional image acquisition mammography apparatus as described above may further include a calculation unit 330 for calculating the X-ray amount required to obtain the two-dimensional image and the three-dimensional image (Fig. 2).

More specifically, before the photographing according to the first and second order, the calculation unit 330 analyzes the data obtained by receiving the X-ray irradiated with a low dose or a normal dose to the subject, or the subject, such as the size and age of the subject Based on the relevant information, the exposure voltage (kVp), the current (mAs), and the exposure time of the X-rays are calculated (that is, the amount of X-rays required to acquire the two-dimensional and three-dimensional images) is calculated. For example, when calculating an appropriate exposure voltage, current, and exposure time, the calculation unit 330 calculates the density of the photographing object from the acquired data, and calculates the preset exposure voltage, current, and exposure time according to the calculated density. It can be calculated in a deterministic way.

In this case, the control module 310 controls the X-ray amount irradiated at each photographing position to correspond to the X-ray amount calculated by the calculator 330.

For example, the control module 310 may allow the dose for the two-dimensional image to be larger than the dose for the three-dimensional image. If the X-ray amount required to obtain the two-dimensional image is about 8-12 mAs, for example, about 10 mAs, the X-ray generator If the 230 controls the X-rays of the corresponding mAs at the central photographing position, and the amount of X-rays required to acquire the 3D image is 1 to 3 mAs at each photographing position, for example, 2 mAs, the X-ray generating unit 230 is at each photographing position. Each time, the X-rays of the corresponding mAs are controlled. However, the above range is an arbitrary value, and the actual shooting conditions can be variously adjusted according to the shooting purpose, the thickness of the subject, the shooting position, the number of shots, and the like. It can be adjusted to be relatively larger than the dose for the image.

7 to 9 are flowcharts illustrating an image acquisition method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 7, in the method for acquiring a two-dimensional image and a three-dimensional image, first, X-rays are irradiated at each photographing position in the order of the photographing for obtaining the two-dimensional image and the photographing for obtaining the three-dimensional image (S510).

In this case, as shown in FIG. 8, in step S510, for example, imaging is performed to obtain a two-dimensional image by radiating X-rays at a central photographing position (S511) and three-dimensional images by sequentially radiating X-rays at each photographing position. It may be provided with a step (S513) for taking a picture to obtain.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 9, as shown in FIG. 9, imaging is performed to acquire a part of the 3D image by sequentially irradiating X-rays from each photographing position from the photographing position located at one end to the central photographing position (S521). In step S523, imaging is performed to obtain a two-dimensional image by irradiating X-rays from the central photographing position, and X-rays are sequentially irradiated from each photographing position from the photographing position located after the center photographing position to the photographing position located at the other end. Therefore, the method may include the step S525 of taking a picture for acquiring the remaining image of the 3D image.

Next, the 2D image and the 3D image data are acquired by receiving the X-rays irradiated at each photographing position (S530).

Next, data acquired according to the photographing order is converted into a two-dimensional image and a three-dimensional image (S550).

As described above, although the present invention has been described with reference to the limited embodiments and the drawings, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains should understand the present invention. Various substitutions, modifications, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit.

Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments, but should be determined not only by the claims below but also by the equivalents of the claims.

Claims (10)

A control module for controlling a first photographing for acquiring a two-dimensional image and a second photographing for acquiring a three-dimensional image; An X-ray generator for irradiating X-rays to a subject with first and second doses determined at at least one first position according to the first imaging and a plurality of second positions according to the second imaging; An X-ray detector configured to receive X-rays irradiated onto the subject to obtain data corresponding to the first and second imaging images; And And an image converter converting the first photographing data into a two-dimensional image and converting the second photographing data into a three-dimensional image. The first dose is greater than the second dose, and the first and second positions are within a predetermined trajectory. Image Acquisition Device. The method of claim 1, The first position is disposed at the central photographing position of the subject, and the second positions are spaced apart at predetermined intervals from the first position. Image Acquisition Device. The method of claim 2, Further comprising a calculation unit for calculating the first and second doses according to the subject Image Acquisition Device. The method of claim 1, The X-ray generator includes at least one X-ray light source, The X-ray light source irradiates X-rays to the subject in a stop-and-shot or continuous-shot manner at the first and second positions. Image Acquisition Device. The method of claim 1, The X-ray generator includes an X-ray light source for each of the first and second positions, and the X-ray light sources radiate X-rays to the subject. Image Acquisition Device. (a) irradiating X-rays on the subject at first and second doses, respectively, in at least one first position according to the first imaging and in a plurality of second positions according to the second imaging; (b) receiving X-rays irradiated onto the subject to obtain data corresponding to the first and second imaging; And (c) converting the data of the first photographing into a two-dimensional image and converting the data of the second photographing into a three-dimensional image; The first dose is greater than the second dose, and the first and second positions are within a predetermined trajectory. Image Acquisition Method. The method of claim 6 The first position is disposed at the central photographing position of the subject, and the second positions are spaced apart at predetermined intervals from the first position. Image Acquisition Method. The method of claim 6 Step (b) is After irradiating the X-ray to the subject at the first position, Irradiating X-rays to the subject at the second position Image Acquisition Method. The method of claim 6 Step (b) is After irradiating the subject with X-rays at a portion of the second position, Irradiating X-rays to the subject at the first position, Irradiating X-rays to the subject at the remainder of the second position Image Acquisition Method. The method of claim 6, Before step (a) Calculating the first and second doses according to the subject Image Acquisition Method.

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